Magnetic jewelry, including bracelets, necklaces, rings, and anklets, incorporates magnets and is believed to promote wellness and relieve pain through magnetic therapy. As interest in magnetic therapy increases, magnetic jewelry continues to evolve, offering a range of options from affordable plastic or stainless steel pieces to higher-quality metals like gold and silver, adorned with gemstones and embellishments.
What is Magnetic Therapy?
Everyone’s body has magnetic and electric fields. Magnetic therapy suggests that some health issues (such as chronic pain, arthritis, and migraine headaches) are caused by an imbalance in these fields. Some research suggests placing a magnetic field near the body can help restore balance, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation.
First proposed by German physician Franz Mesmer in the 16th century, magnetic therapy didn’t gain much traction until the twentieth century, as it began being used in treating long bone fractures. Magnetic therapy is not quite as simple as taking magnets from your fridge and strapping them to your body! In fact, magnets used in magnetic jewelry are much stronger than the kind you hang your kid’s artwork up with on your fridge and freezer doors. A standard fridge magnet is roughly 100 gauss ("gauss" is the measurement for magnetic field strength). In comparison, magnetic therapy jewelry comes in strengths ranging from 300 to 5,000 gauss and beyond! Electromagnetic therapy, in which electromagnets generate a magnetic field when electricity is applied, is another form of magnetic therapy; however, you’re not likely to find commercially sold jewelry with such magnets as a professional administers this form of magnetic therapy.
Magnetic field therapy uses different kinds of magnets on the body to help boost your overall health. It may also help treat certain conditions.
Types of Magnetic Field Therapy
There are several types, including:
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- Static magnetic field therapy: In this, you touch a magnet to your skin. You might wear a magnetic bracelet or other magnetized jewelry. It could be a bandage with a magnet in it, or you may wear a magnet as a shoe insole. You could also sleep on a special mattress pad with a magnet in it.
- Electrically charged magnetic therapy (electromagnetic therapy): The magnets you use here have an electric charge. Treatment with electromagnetic therapy usually comes through an electric pulse.
- Magnetic therapy with acupuncture: Magnets go on the same sections of your skin that an acupuncturist would probably focus on in an acupuncture session. You may hear these areas called your energy pathways or channels.
Your body naturally has magnetic and electric fields. All your molecules have a small amount of magnetic energy in them. The thought behind magnetic field therapy is that certain problems happen because your magnetic fields are out of balance. If you put a magnetic field near your body, it's believed things will go back to normal. Ions like calcium and potassium help your cells send signals. In tests, scientists have seen magnets change how these ions act. However, so far, there isn’t evidence that magnets have the same effect on cells when they’re in your body.
Common Uses of Magnetic Therapy
Most magnetic field therapy is a treatment option for different types of pain, like in your feet and back.
Scientists have specifically studied its use for:
- Arthritis pain
- Wound healing
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Fibromyalgia pain
While research studies are inconclusive, some believe that magnetic therapy may have benefits in the following areas:
- Pain management: Chronic pain, arthritis, joint pain, muscle pain and stiffness, fibromyalgia, sciatica, migraines and headaches, sports injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis.
- Circulatory and cardiovascular issues: Poor circulation (cold hands and feet), varicose veins, high blood pressure, swelling and edema.
- Skin and soft tissue conditions: Bruising, wounds, ulcers, bursitis and skin inflammation.
- Bone and joint health: Osteoporosis, bone fractures (to promote healing) and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Neurological conditions: Sleep disorders, insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, migraines and nerve pain.
- Weight loss: Some believe magnetic jewelry can assist in weight loss by impacting metabolism, hunger, satiety and circulation.
- Other conditions: Chronic fatigue syndrome, menstrual pain, post-surgical recovery (to reduce pain and swelling), TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
Magnetic Jewelry and Weight Loss: A Critical Look
Some believe magnetic jewelry can assist in weight loss by impacting metabolism, hunger, satiety and circulation.
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Magnetic rings, bracelets and earrings are sold under the pretense that they assist in weight loss by impacting metabolism, hunger and satiety, and circulation. These devices are purported to increase your metabolism through the north pole of the magnet. A fast or “high” metabolism allows you to burn more calories at rest and when you exercise. Some people also suggest that the rings and bracelets can be used in combination with acupressure, an alternative therapy technique, based on the idea that stimulating certain points on the body will lead to changes within the body.
The theory behind a magnetic therapy bracelet for weight loss ties back to metabolism and circulation: by wearing a magnetic bracelet, you might stimulate your body to burn calories more efficiently. A slimming bracelet-perhaps a hematite anklet or bracelet anklet-could subtly encourage this process, especially if paired with a healthy lifestyle.
However, there's no evidence to support the use of magnetic therapy for weight loss. There is zero evidence to suggest that magnetic rings, or similar magnetic devices, aid in weight loss.
Lack of Scientific Evidence
Research on magnetic therapy is still in its early stages. While tests show that magnets affect calcium and potassium ion movement outside the body, there’s no evidence magnets affect cells inside the body the same way. And one British study found neither copper nor magnetic bracelets provided pain relief compared to non-metallic bracelets. The Arthritis Foundation has stated that studies show magnetic and copper bracelets do not help arthritis pain or stiffness. Some believe reported benefits come from the placebo effect or unrelated improvements.
The scientific literature contains no peer-reviewed studies demonstrating weight loss from magnetic jewelry. A comprehensive review of PubMed, the primary database for medical research, reveals zero published studies showing statistically significant weight loss from wearing magnetic accessories. Existing research on magnetic therapy focuses primarily on pain management, with mixed results and significant methodological limitations. Even studies showing modest pain relief benefits cannot be extrapolated to support metabolic or weight-loss claims, as these involve entirely different physiological mechanisms.
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The theoretical basis for magnetic weight loss-that magnetic fields can "stimulate metabolism" or "break down fat cells"-contradicts established principles of human physiology and thermodynamics. Weight loss requires creating a caloric deficit through reduced intake or increased expenditure, neither of which can be achieved through passive magnetic field exposure.
The Placebo Effect
Some studies allude to magnetic therapy’s short-term pain relief and improved circulation, particularly for conditions like osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. However, many studies are not conclusively able to prove its effectiveness. The placebo effect is often cited as a reason for people perceiving any benefits of magnetic therapy.
Still, the placebo effect can’t be ignored. If slipping on a delicate bracelet or crystal bracelet makes you feel better-whether it’s a bracelet for women men or a magnetic therapy bracelet for pain-that’s a win. The bracelet gift of confidence might be the real magic.
Effective Weight Loss Techniques
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), weight loss can be achieved by a combination of:
- Setting a realistic goal
- Engaging in a reduced calorie, nutritionally balanced eating plan
- Regular physical activity
- Other behavior changes to help you keep on track with your goals
It is generally recommended for adults to engage in moderate-intensity aerobic activity for 150 minutes each week, but to lose weight you’ll likely need more or to cut calorie intake. It is recommended working with your doctor to create an individualized weight loss plan.
Magnet stimulation therapy isn't a solution now, but avoiding the Five Food Felons and getting 10,000 steps a day are proven ways to upgrade your health and help you lose weight.
Potential Benefits of Magnetic Therapy (Beyond Weight Loss)
Sure, a shiny, new magnetic bracelet might be beautiful. But are there real benefits to magnetic bracelets and other magnetic jewelry types? While many individuals who use magnetic therapy find mild to significant benefits, it should be noted that not all reported benefits have been scientifically proven.
Some who have used magnetic therapy have reported benefits in terms of mood, morale, and overall health, including enhanced mood and mental clarity, increased energy levels, reduction of stress and tension, and boosted immune system functions. Reported physical benefits include improved blood circulation, toxin removal, pain relief, reduced inflammation, decreased stiffness, and faster recovery and healing.
Who Should Avoid Magnetic Jewelry?
While it’s generally safe for most people to wear low-intensity static magnets, it’s not a good idea to have magnetic field therapy if you:
- Use a pacemaker
- Have an insulin pump
- Are pregnant
You should also take off any magnets before having an X-ray or getting an MRI.
Magnetic jewelry can interfere with the function of medical devices such as pacemakers or insulin pumps. Pregnant individuals are advised to avoid magnetic therapy as a precaution, as the effects on fetal development are not well understood. Individuals under the age of 18 and those with blood clotting disorders should also avoid magnetic jewelry and therapies. It is recommended to seek your doctor's advice before trying any magnetic jewelry.
Wearing acupressure magnets (or any magnet) can be very harmful or compromise test results if you have a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test, which your doctor might prescribe if you have certain conditions. The possibility of creating a magnetic projectile, combined with risk to the machine are why there are very strict rules regarding magnets in the scan room. Magnetic rings may also be harmful to people who wear devices such as pacemakers, which regulate heart rhythm. Speak with your doctor if you have any medical devices before trying any magnetic jewelry. Note that any kind of small magnet, including magnetic jewelry, may pose a hazard to small children if swallowed.
Potential Side Effects
Some people who have magnetic field therapy have side effects like:
- Pain
- Nausea
- Dizziness
However, these side effects are rare.
For individuals using magnetic jewelry or electromagnetic therapy, the following side effects may exist: Wearing magnetic jewelry can cause skin irritation, especially for those with metal allergies, and may interfere with the function of medical devices like pacemakers. Some individuals may experience headaches, dizziness, nausea or discomfort. Additionally, if not used properly, magnetic therapy could worsen certain conditions, such as nerve pain or circulatory issues.